At an Open House last week the New School unveiled design plans for its new “university center” at 65 Fifth Avenue, between 14th and 13th Streets. To see images of the plans, CLICK HERE and HERE, and to see information about the project presented by the New School at the open house, CLICK HERE (warning: 28MB PDF).

The New School’s board recently voted to approve the plans for this 16-story structure, which is as-of-right and will therefore not require any public approvals. The project will include dormitory and academic space. After a series of public meetings and much feedback from GVSHP and neighbors, the New School substantially reduced the size and height of the proposed development, added setbacks to preserve some light and air for neighbors, dropped plans to seek zoning variances, eliminated the original all glass facade and projecting colored lights, and eliminated shiny metallic bands along the facade which resembled an office building design. See coverage in The New York Times and DNAinfo.

There will no doubt be issues with any project of this size, however, and the New School has committed to come back before the Community Board to discuss construction and mitigation plans.